Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
What if a woman forgets whether or not she has moved the ring on her CycleBeads?
We recommend that a woman who uses CycleBeads also use a calendar to mark the first
day of her cycle – the day her period starts. That way, if she is not sure whether or not she
has moved the ring on any particular day, or whether it may have been moved
accidentally, she can check her calendar. To confirm that the ring is on the correct bead,
she counts from the day she started her period up until today, and then counts the same
number of beads. The ring should be on the corresponding bead on her CycleBeads.
How do couples normally manage the 12-day fertile time?
Couples have used different strategies for managing the fertile time. The method allows
users to be aware of the days during the menstrual cycle when there is a possibility of
pregnancy. Couples who use the SDM may choose to manage their fertile days in
different ways. Some couples prefer to avoid intercourse completely during the fertile
days. Other couples prefer to use condoms or other barrier methods during the fertile
days. The most important element, however, to managing the fertile period is open
communication between both partners.
What if the woman thinks that she might be pregnant?
If the woman thinks she might be pregnant or if 42 days or more have passed since her
last period started, she should be referred for a pregnancy test. If the pregnancy test is
negative and this is the first time that her cycle is out of the 26-32 day range, she may
continue to use the method with caution. She should return if she has a delayed period
again. If the test is positive, offer her appropriate counseling and refer the woman for
prenatal care.
What if the woman reports bleeding between periods?
In case of minor spotting, inform the woman that this is probably a normal sign of
impending ovulation, rather than a sign of a health problem. Otherwise, counsel her
according to the service delivery guidelines or refer her for an assessment for unusual
vaginal bleeding.
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RFHI Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 5: SDM